ACIO vs VXUS
ACIO vs VXUS
Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACIO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 221 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.52% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.00% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.68% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.35% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ACIO vs VXUS Performance
Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF (ACIO) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACIO returned +12.00% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, ACIO is up 6.52% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, ACIO compounded at +14.68% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.35% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, ACIO has the edge at +9.72% annualized vs +4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 10.1% for ACIO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -14.9% for ACIO and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACIO charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACIO currently yields 0.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ACIO and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8007 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACIO or VXUS?
ACIO has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACIO or VXUS?
Over the past year ACIO returned +12.00% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), ACIO annualized +9.72% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACIO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 10.1% for ACIO. Worst drawdown: ACIO -14.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ACIO and VXUS?
ACIO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACIO and VXUS?
ACIO and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8007 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACIO or VXUS?
ACIO yields 0.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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